Florida Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. §83.49 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and landlord receiving possession.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages to the premises beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges owed under the lease. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary and reasonable use of the premises.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to full deposit return plus court costs and attorney fees if landlord acts in bad faith under Fla. Stat. §83.49(3).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $8,000
- Interest on deposit: Required by statute
Additional Protections
- Landlord must notify tenant of intent to impose claim by certified mail within 30 days
- Tenant has 15 days to dispute after receiving notice
- Deposit must be held in a separate account or posted as surety bond
- Landlord must notify tenant of depository information within 30 days of receipt
What Your Florida Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Florida's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Fla. Stat. §83.49 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Florida law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary and reasonable use of the premises...
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Florida Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Florida?
Under Fla. Stat. §83.49, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and landlord receiving possession. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Florida landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Florida, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages to the premises beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges owed under the lease. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Florida?
In Florida: Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary and reasonable use of the premises. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Florida landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to full deposit return plus court costs and attorney fees if landlord acts in bad faith under Fla. Stat. §83.49(3). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Florida?
Yes. Florida small claims court handles cases up to $8,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Florida?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Florida-specific dispute letter citing Fla. Stat. §83.49 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.